Physical Therapy for Sports Baltimore, MD

Physical Therapy for Sports in Baltimore, MD

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. Abbreviated PT. PT is appropriate for many types of patients, including those who are experiencing conditions or injuries caused as a result of sports or exercise. 

• How Physical Therapy Can Provide Pain Relief
• What To Look for in a Physical Therapist and Therapy Clinic
• Physical Therapy for Sports - Baltimore, MD
• The Do's and Don'ts of Successful Sports Physical Therapy
• The Do's and Don'ts of Successful Sports Physical Therapy Infographic
• Commonly answered questions about sports physical therapy
• Contact Lemoine Physical Therapy Today To Schedule A Free Consultation

What is sports physical therapy?

In physical therapy for sports, the sports physical therapist's central focus is to help in the rehabilitation of their patients to get them back to their previous level of physical function following a sports-specific condition – regardless of their age or current ability. 

In many cases a sports physical therapist will work with athletes, to aid in rehabilitation following an injury - although their treatment is not limited to professional or competitive athletes. Anyone who has been injured through their practice of a sport activity, whether recreationally or professionally, can receive physical therapy if they possess the desire to return to their previous level of ability. 

In some cases, sports physical therapists are hired by teams to create and manage rehabilitation programs for participating team members or athletes.

What common sport-related injuries can be treated through physical therapy?

• Knee Injuries
• Shoulder Injuries
• Hamstring Strain
• Shin Splints
• Groin Strains & Pulls

Why Choose Physical Therapy?

If you’re searching for physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, Maryland - or physical therapy for anything else - LeMoine Physical Therapy has you covered. Whether you experienced an accident in the workplace or received an injury on the court, you can turn to a qualified physical therapist to help you get back on your feet and back in the game.

For some who seek out physical therapy, they’ve reached a breaking point: They can’t do any of their day-to-day tasks, or can only do them with huge amounts of difficulty. And for others who look for physical therapy, they’re trying to get back to peak performance after a season-ending injury. There are many different reasons to look for physical therapy, and there are many different ways a physical therapist can help.

But what should you expect when you reach out to a physical therapist? Read on to learn more about what a physical therapist can do for you, and what you can expect from the recovery process.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

If you’re looking for physical therapy to get rid of nagging pain, your recovery might look different from someone who’s looking for physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD. Every case is different, and every plan for recovery is different, too. However, the starting point is all the same: You want to regain mobility, and you get in touch with a qualified and experienced physical therapist. From there, the journeys go different ways.

Recovery takes effort and dedication, both from yourself and your physical therapist. Your goals are unique to yourself, and if you’re trying to get back to your sport of choice, it’s important to remember that you can’t rush your recovery. It’s important to get back in the game, but it’s important to do it right - otherwise you risk everything you and your physical therapist worked for. If you’re an athlete trying to recover strong, you’ll have to make an efficient and effective plan with the help of your therapist, and you’ll have to stick to it.

On the other hand, if you’re trying to recover from a surgery or an accident (or if you’re trying to get rid of nagging pain and immobility), you might have a bit more time on your hands. When you meet up with your physical therapist, you can outline how quickly you’d like to recover, and how often you can show up for one-on-one sessions. Your physical therapist will also help you develop exercises that are unique to your needs and abilities.

What Does a Good Physical Therapist Look Like?

Every case is different, and every physical therapist is different, too. When you look for a physical therapist, you need to be sure they’ll be as committed to your recovery as you are. Fortunately, LeMoine Physical Therapy is dedicated to each and every client that reaches out. We’re ready and willing to work closely with you to develop a recovery plan that works for your injuries, and works for your lifestyle.

Don’t hesitate to get started on your recovery. If you’re looking for a physical therapist for sports in Baltimore, MD, or if you just want to get your life back from nagging pain and immobility, reach out to LeMoine physical therapy and see how we can help you.

If you could benefit from physical therapy for sports Baltimore, MD team at LeMoine Physical Therapy can help. Whether you play professionally, you excel as an adolescent athlete, you play at the collegiate level, or you “simply” enjoy sports on an amateur or recreational level, our physical therapy specialists can assist you with your needs now and moving forward. It is important to keep your body in good shape at every stage in life, so do not let your injury get the best of you. We can help get you back on your feet and back into whatever sports you were playing before you got hurt. 

How Physical Therapy Can Provide Pain Relief

Dealing with constant pain is a huge downer. It prevents you from playing the games you love. You find your sports performance isn't as strong. This can be extremely frustrating.

Before you spiral down into despair, know that LeMoine Physical Therapy can help. You can find ways to treat your pain by going to physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD. 

Treat the Pain at the Source

Did you know that the site of your pain may not be the source? For example, you may be experiencing outer knee pain. In some cases, a large ligament called the iliotibial band causes it. This soft tissue stretches from the outside of your knee to your hip. Tightness by your hip can sometimes cause pain outside your knee. 

Now, sometimes where you feel the pain is where the problem is. Regardless, a knowledgeable physical therapist from LeMoine Physical Therapy can properly diagnose you. 

Stimulate the Body's Painkillers

Your body can do a lot to heal from an injury. Sometimes, it just takes a certain course of treatment to get this going. A physical therapist can use any number of techniques to make this happen. 

These can include massage, hot packs, icing the area, or providing joint adjustments. Everyone's situation is unique. That is why it is important to find quality physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD. 

Stretch the Body

Stretching can be an important part of recovery. It can make your tendons and ligaments more flexible and versatile. In the long run, this can increase your range of motion without pain and stiffness.

It is important to not overdo the stretching at first. Your physical therapist can make sure you are not pushing it too far. They can also provide you with some stretches to do at home to continue your progress.

Strengthen the Soft Tissue

The whole body is interconnected. Weakness in one area can lead to pain in another. Overuse of a weak ligament will cause hurt and possible damage. That is why a physical therapist should create a strengthening program for you.

At a physical therapist's facility, there are often weights and other strengthening machines to use. It is okay if you feel intimidated. A physical therapist can walk you through what to do and monitor your reps so you don't injure yourself. 

The road to pain relief can belong. Know your physical therapist is with you every step of the way. 

What To Look for in a Physical Therapist and Therapy Clinic

Certifications and Licensing

As you research physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD, focus on the facilities and therapists who are licensed and hold certifications. Licensed physical therapists have completed their therapy education and have passed the national licensure exam. This ensures that these professionals understand the human body, injuries and how to treat them properly. This is especially important for sports injuries, where your income is dependent upon you being able to perform a sport. Also, make sure the clinic is insured and will take your health insurance.

Specializations

Some physical therapy clinics, e.g., LeMoine Physical Therapy, specializing in sports injuries and recovery. These individuals understand the causes of sports injuries and how to help you build muscle and stretch, which can help you prevent injuries. Larger physical therapy clinics may offer a variety of services, but they should have therapists who specialize in sports, and they need to have a positive reputation in this area.

Stable, Motivated Staff Members

When you are being treated for a sports injury, you probably want to work with the same person every time you come into the clinic. Therefore, when you search for physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD, you should find a clinic that has a low turnover rate and a motivated staff. You should also search for a clinic that won’t consistently change your appointment times, especially if these changes are due to staff shortages.

You Are Given At-Home Exercises

Successful physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD requires that you complete exercises outside the clinic. Therefore, your therapist should provide you with clear, detailed instructions on exercises you need to do on your own. You may receive paper copies with drawings or photos that show the exercises, or you may be given videos or online video links where you can watch someone do the exercises. Then, your therapist needs to verify that you are doing your exercises and hold you accountable when they aren’t done.

High-Quality Clinical Equipment

Like LeMoine Physical Therapy, your clinic should have high-quality equipment. The right clinic will be able to offer you a variety of treatments because they have thermal, electrical and sound therapeutics equipment available. They may also offer dry needling and massage. You should also see traditional gym equipment. As your recovery progresses, your therapist should move you into more and more challenging exercises, which may require equipment.

A Comfortable Environment

Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable in the facility and with the therapist who will treat you. Therefore, choose physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD you feel comfortable with. You should get along well with your therapist and feel welcomed by the clinic staff. Also, evaluate the cleanliness of the clinic.

Physical Therapy for Sports – Baltimore, MD

The specialists at LeMoine Physical Therapy have extensive experience providing Baltimore, MD physical therapy for sports. It is important to understand that physical therapy methods can assist athletes who are recovering from acute injuries, those who are struggling with chronic conditions, and those looking to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination generally. Unlike some other physical therapy offices, we pride ourselves on client-focused services. Meaning, that we do not treat physical therapy as a “one size fits all” approach to wellness. If you choose to work with our trusted, reputable, and knowledgeable team, you’ll benefit from a treatment plan that is uniquely tailored to address your specific needs, circumstances, and priorities.

How Physical Therapists Help Injured Athletes

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help athletes strengthen their bodies, recover from injury, increase flexibility, improve coordination, and generally ready themselves to play at the level that they’re aiming for. For example, our specialists regularly use movement-based guidance, strength and flexibility training, manual therapy, and Kinesio taping to help injured players reach their goals.

Whether your injury occurred as a result of overuse, trauma, or aggravation of a chronic condition, we can craft a treatment plan that uniquely addresses your medical circumstances, needs, and priorities. Additionally, if you are recovering from surgical intervention, we can work with your care team to better ensure that you heal properly and rehabilitate your affected tissues to the maximum extent possible under the circumstances.

Starting any kind of new medical treatment can be overwhelming. Know that we will take care to answer any questions and address any concerns that you may have at any time during the physical therapy process.

What Kind of Injuries a Physical Therapist Can Help With

There are so many different types of injuries athletes face. Often, there are certain injuries that are incredibly common in specific sports. Some very common injuries from sports we often see include:

• Torn ACLs 
• Broken bones
• Torn achilles tendons
• Tennis elbow 
• Rolled ankles
• Dislocations
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shin splints
• Sprains
• Strains
• + More

No matter what your injury is, physical therapy can likely help you. An experienced physical therapist will know what exercises can help you and how to assist you in making the fastest recovery possible for your injury. This will have to be in conjunction with doing it right. 

Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help You

Physical therapists have many different techniques to help their patients feel better. Some of the techniques we use are for pain management, while others will assist in the recovery process to get your body back in working order. Some of our services include: 

• Manual manipulation: We will use our hands or devices to help ease the tension in your muscles. Sometimes, when you are injured, your muscles become tight and have a hard time relaxing. By releasing the tension and stretching the muscles, we will assist in easing your pain as well as making the muscles ready to be stretched and healed. 
• Exercises and stretches: It is always important to send you home with exercises you can do in between physical therapy appointments. Whether we give you a full workout routine or just a few little things to do, it is crucial that you follow your “homework” diligently. This will help with the healing process and can strengthen muscles that need to be stronger in order to help you heal. 
• We will help you strengthen other muscles to help your injury. Sometimes, you need to work out the surrounding muscles to help your injury heal. For example, if you hurt your neck, you may need to work on shoulder and back strength to take some of the strain away from your neck.

If you are wondering what a physical therapy appointment would look like for your injuries, contact LeMoine Physical Therapy today. We can set you up with a consultation to speak with a physical therapist so all of your questions can be answered. Do not hesitate to reach out. The sooner you contact us, the faster you can get relief from your injuries. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Successful Sports Physical Therapy

Sports injuries can include tears that cause loss of flexibility or have increased swelling in damaged areas. That is why physical therapy is essential for the body’s healing process after it is damaged. Physical therapy is all about movement, electrical stimulation, massage, and learning to manage your pain levels until your body has healed. Here are some do’s and don’ts for a successful sports physical therapy experience.

Do Select the Right Therapy

When making an initial appointment for your physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD, it is important to find the right specialty team to help you properly heal. Some therapists work on children, others deal with elderly muscular issues, and some treat athletes. Make sure you understand which therapy your clinic offers.

Do Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wear athletic clothing, even during your initial visit, and make sure your shoes are comfortable and have a non-skid type of sole. Your therapy may include a wide range of physical activities, and your clothing should allow for a free range of movement.

Do Assigned Homework

You will probably be assigned an at-home plan since you will not see your therapist daily. Do your homework stretches, walking, or other movements each day. Your body will benefit from the effort you make outside of the physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD, clinic as you work on a range of motion, coordination, muscle strength, and mobility.

Do Acknowledge Your Pain

Pain may rear its ugly head, and when it does, be honest with your LeMoine Physical Therapy team about possible reasons for the exacerbation. Your therapist needs to know if you were reinjured, neglected your therapy homework, or are exhibiting new symptoms. That is the only way the team can help your healing progression to continue.

Don’t Hide Personal Information

You should provide your therapist with a list of all your injuries, medicines, and types of pain. Your therapist needs to understand the complete picture surrounding your injury before the team can design the best treatment plan for you.

Don’t Cancel Appointments

Be consistent in attending your appointments. Physical therapy works by moving muscles, stimulating movement, and stretching tendons, which is a progressive treatment. Skipping even one LeMoine Physical Therapy appointment can delay the progression of your healing process.

You can help make the time you spend at physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD, a successful and positive experience by following the do’s and don’ts listed above. It is your life, so become an active participant.  

The Do’s and Don’ts of Successful Sports Physical Therapy Infographic

Physical Therapy Services Are Available

If you are an athlete, a former athlete, or you simply enjoy recreational sports in your spare time, your body has likely been through a great deal over the years. Whether you’re struggling with the aftermath of sustaining an acute injury or you have chronic issues that are slowing you down, the experienced Maryland practitioners at LeMoine Physical Therapy can help you to recover. Sometimes, physical therapy can allow athletes to perform at higher levels than ever before. Other times, physical therapy can help injured players to recover to the absolute greatest extent under the circumstances. No two sports-related injury scenarios are ever exactly alike. Contact our team today to learn more about our approach to Baltimore, MD physical therapy for sports, and how we can assist you at this time – we look forward to meeting with you. 

Commonly answered questions about sports physical therapy

If you have never been to a physical therapist before, then you may have a lot of questions about what you need to prepare for your first appointment. That’s okay, it’s very common for people to be feeling interested when they do something new such as going to physical therapy.

What do we need to bring with me for my first appointment?

You may be wondering what you need to bring with you for your first appointment. You should always bring your driver's license, health insurance card, and a prescription referral from the physician that sent you to physical therapy. This is a great tip to follow for any new doctor that you see, and sometimes these places have forms you can download online and fill out ahead of time to bring to your appointment so that all you have to do is sit in the waiting room.

Do I need a referral or do I need a prescription from a doctor to see a physical therapist?

You may be wondering if you need a prescription from a doctor to see a physical therapist. This depends heavily on the state that you are in. In Maryland, you do not need to have a prescription or a referral to see a physical therapist. You have direct access to physical therapy, by your insurance may require you to have a prescription or a referral and perhaps authorization. So you should brush up on your insurance rules before trying to see a physical therapist otherwise you might mess up and have physical therapy to pay for out of pocket.

What should I wear to my first appointment?

A general rule of thumb is that each patient’s treatment is different, but you should always wear loose and comfortable clothing with tennis shoes if possible. Patients that have lower extremity injuries should wear shorts or pants that can be wound up above their knees, while patients with shoulder injuries or torso injuries should wear a loose shirt or tank top.

How long do appointments last?

Everyone’s appointment is different because these appointments are tailored to the person’s injury and the person themselves. But usually, your first appointment is only going to last about an hour, and as your appointments and treatment progress, your session time may also find itself getting longer.

Is it going to hurt?

Depending upon the injury that you are going to be treated with, pain can be a part of the recovery process. However physical therapy is not about giving you any more pain than you already deal with, in fact, you in your physical therapist can discuss how much pain you are okay with experiencing while you are in their care. You can also expect a conversation regarding pain and the difference between pain and pressure.

Should I take pain medication before coming to therapy?

This is going to be up to you, or perhaps your physical therapist. If you are on pain medication and you think they would help you with your process, then you should take them if your therapist recommended it or said it was okay.

What Is Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy is a tool for people who are healing from an injury, accident, or surgery. If an individual suffered a heart attack or stroke they may be assigned to attend physical therapy. Other medical problems such as aging and incontinence may require that the patient undergo physical therapy.

Physical therapy helps the body when it is changing in such a way that an individual’s quality of life suffers. The majority of physical therapists focus on three core areas: strength, balance, and mobility. A physical therapist will ask what the individual is having difficulty doing and what they want to heal from. An individual’s physical problems will be assessed by a physical therapist. A course of treatment and improvement will employ different forms of exercise and manual manipulation.

What Goes On During A Physical Therapy Session? 

An individual patient must receive information regarding human health and physical fitness. Patients may have to learn how to lift a specific object properly. An individual may suffer from an injury and have to relearn how to use a particular limb or other body parts. During physical therapy sessions, an individual physical therapist will typically apply techniques such as joint mobilization, stretching, and massaging.

Many physical therapists also perform manual manipulation which involves directed manual force to enhance joint mobility. Also, physical therapists work to improve a patient’s connective tissue and muscles.

Why Does Physical Therapy Involve These Specific Exercises? 

Physical therapists place people in uncomfortable positions so they can grow physically and emotionally. One goal all physical therapists have is to help people mature beyond their limits. Different tests and practices are implemented to improve a patient over a long period of time. Empowerment is a side effect of physical therapy. All physical therapists intend to make their patients stronger and more resilient.

What About Home Exercises? 

Individuals who participate in physical therapy sessions are often tasked with implementing a home exercise regimen. Insurance payments may not cover an unlimited number of physical therapy sessions. Strengthening and stretching exercises are often good exercises for practitioners to perform at the beginning of physical therapy.

Contact Lemoine Physical Therapy Today To Schedule A Free Consultation 

If you are searching for a physical therapist to help you recover from a sports injury contact Lemoine Physical Therapy today. Call Lemoine Physical Therapy at (410) 498-8828. Maintaining a physical therapy regimen is one of the best tools available to those who are recovering from sports injuries. Find a qualified and experienced physical therapist today at Lemoine Physical Therapy in Baltimore, Maryland.

If you’re an athlete, you may want to consider going to physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD. Regular physical therapy sessions can help you prevent injuries, improve strength and reduce pain. However, you may have heard several myths about the therapy that are making you reluctant to try it. Here are some common myths you shouldn’t believe:

• All physical therapists are the same. This is one of the biggest myths you are likely to hear. The truth is that these therapists have different specialties, including pediatric, oncology and sports. If you play sports, it’s important to see a physical therapist who specializes in treating athletes. He or she will know how to treat specific sports injuries, like shin splints and sciatica, and help you improve your performance on the field.
• Physical therapy will be too painful. If you suffered an injury while playing sports, you might think that physical therapy will just cause you additional pain. Luckily, this isn’t true. Although you may feel sore after a session, you shouldn’t experience severe pain. If you do feel too much discomfort, voice your concerns to your physical therapist.
• A physical therapist will fix you. Too many people go into their first physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD session assuming that their physical therapist will magically cure them. Although a physical therapist can help you make significant improvements, you shouldn’t rely on him or her to fix you. It’s also up to you to help yourself. For example, if your therapist advises you to perform strengthening exercises at home, you should do them.
• You can only get treated at a physical therapy clinic your doctor recommends. Your doctor may suggest for you to go to a certain physical therapy session, but you’re not required to go there. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family members or research physical therapists online.
• Surgery is necessary before physical therapy. If you suffered a sports injury, you might assume that you need surgery, However, this is only true in severe cases. Most sports injuries can be treated with physical therapy alone. This is good news because it’s much less risky than surgery.
• Physical therapy takes forever. How many physical therapy sessions you have will depend on your specific problem. However, going to physical therapy can actually shorten your recovery time and get you on the field faster.

Schedule an appointment at a physical therapy for sports in Baltimore, MD clinic today.